Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that all outstanding issues between management and An Post have been satisfactorily resolved with a view to enabling a smooth expansion and development of services including compatible or likely future services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13838/06]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans the Government has for the future of An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13764/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 73 together.

The future development and continued viability of An Post and its services is, in the first instance, a matter for the board and management of An Post.

The welcome resolution to the company's recent industrial relations difficulties has, the Minister understands, facilitated all parties to sign off on the change programme, implementation of which is essential for the future viability of the company.

The Minister believes that there will continue to be a key national role for An Post, both in delivery of mails and as a quality service provider of Government and financial services through its nationwide network of post office outlets.

As a commercial company, the challenge ahead for An Post is to develop a strategy that satisfies the needs of existing customers into the post office. An Post has already had some success in winning new business and continues to benefit from a considerable amount of Government business, especially in the areas of social welfare payments and savings products. In addition, a pilot project was recently completed which involved the automation of ten small post offices.

I understand also that the Minister has asked the company to ensure that any strategy for the development of the company should ensure the long-term viability of the post office network. In this light, An Post is currently working on a new initiative which would see the development of An Post financial services, APFS. Its aim is to supply a wide range of retail financial services through the branch network. If successful, it could lead to a significant increase in post office business.